U.S. patent application number 12/909491 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for lock receptacle assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to INNER-TITE CORP.. Invention is credited to SCOTT BRENNER, JOHN C. MAHANEY.
Application Number | 20120096906 12/909491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45971819 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120096906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MAHANEY; JOHN C. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
LOCK RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A lock receptacle assembly having a body portion having a first
end that includes a bore configured to receive a lock, an end cap
removably securable to the first end of the body portion. The end
cap having a through bore to allow passage of the lock, such that,
when assembled, the lock can lock the end cap and the body portion
together. The end cap interlocks with the first end of the body
portion so that there is substantially no load on the lock when
axial force is applied to the assembly.
Inventors: |
MAHANEY; JOHN C.; (SPENCER,
MA) ; BRENNER; SCOTT; (RUTLAND, MA) |
Assignee: |
INNER-TITE CORP.
HOLDEN
MA
|
Family ID: |
45971819 |
Appl. No.: |
12/909491 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/175 ;
70/431 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 70/5615 20150401;
F16K 35/10 20130101; Y10T 70/40 20150401; Y10T 70/80 20150401; Y10T
70/443 20150401; F16K 35/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/175 ;
70/431 |
International
Class: |
G05G 5/00 20060101
G05G005/00; F16K 35/00 20060101 F16K035/00 |
Claims
1. A lock receptacle assembly, said assembly comprising: a body
portion having a first end that includes a bore configured to
receive a lock; an end cap removably securable to said first end of
said body portion, said end cap having a through bore to allow
passage of said lock, such that, when assembled, said lock can lock
said end cap and said body portion together; and wherein said end
cap interlocks with said first end of said body portion so that
there is substantially no load on said lock when axial force is
applied to said assembly.
2. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said body
portion further comprises: a second end opposite said first end,
said second end including a flange portion.
3. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said first end
of said body portion includes a shoulder.
4. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 3, wherein said through
bore of said end cap includes a lip which interlocks with said
shoulder of said body portion so that there is substantially no
load on said lock when axial force is applied to said assembly.
5. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said end cap
includes a mounting aperture which allows said end cap to be
mounted on said body portion so that said end cap and body portion
are interlocked.
6. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said bore of
said body portion includes a recess configured to received balls of
said lock to prevent removal of said lock from body portion.
7. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said body
portion and said end cap are manufactured from hardened steel.
8. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said body
portion and said end cap are cylindrical.
9. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein said lock is a
barrel lock.
10. A valve lock assembly, said valve lock assembly comprising: a
cover configured to be placed over a utility valve, said cover
having two opposed side-walls each of which includes an aperture; a
lock receptacle assembly having a body portion and an end cap, said
body portion is configured to be placed through each of said cover
apertures to prevent removal of said cover from a utility valve,
said body portion is also configured to receive a lock; a lock,
said lock selectively securing said body portion to said end cap
when assembled; and wherein said end cap interlocks with said body
portion so that there is substantially no load on said lock when
axial force is applied to said assembly.
11. The valve lock assembly of claim 10, wherein said body portion
further comprises: a first end and a second end opposite said first
end, said second end including a flange portion to prevent removal
of said body portion through said apertures.
12. The valve lock assembly of claim 11, wherein said first end of
said body portion includes a shoulder.
13. The valve lock assembly of claim 12 wherein said end cap
includes a through bore having a lip which interlocks with said
shoulder of said body portion so that there is substantially no
load on said lock when axial force is applied to said assembly.
14. The valve lock assembly of claim 10, wherein said end cap
includes a mounting aperture which allows said end cap to be
mounted on said body portion so that said end cap and body portion
are interlocked.
15. The valve lock assembly of claim 10, wherein said body portion
includes a bore to receive said lock, said bore having a recess
configured to received balls of said lock to prevent removal of
said lock from body portion.
16. The valve lock assembly of claim 10, wherein said lock is a
barrel lock.
17. The valve lock assembly of claim 10, wherein said cover, body
portion and said end cap are manufactured from hardened steel.
18. The valve lock assembly of claim 10, wherein said body portion
and said end cap are cylindrical.
19. A lock receptacle assembly, said assembly comprising: a body
portion having a first end that includes a shoulder and a bore
configured to receive a lock; an end cap removably securable to
said first end of said body portion, said end cap having a through
bore to allow passage of said lock, such that, when assembled, said
lock can lock said end cap and said body portion together, said
through bore of said end cap including a lip; and wherein said lip
of said end cap interlocks with said shoulder of said body portion
so that there is substantially no load on said lock when axial
force is applied to said assembly.
20. The lock receptacle assembly of claim 19, wherein said end cap
includes a mounting aperture which allows said end cap to be
mounted on said body portion so that said end cap and body portion
are interlocked.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lock receptacle
assembly and more particularly to a barrel lock receptacle assembly
that includes a tamper resistance lock receptacle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Utilities, such as gas, are provided to customers through
lines that include valves. These valves, which are commonly
referred to as "stops" or "cocks," are used to control the flow of
gas through the line. Such valves are well known and generally
include a body portion having an inlet and outlet that are
separated by a rotatable plug. The plug has a handle or knob that
may be rotated to control fluid flow.
[0003] As will be appreciated, it is generally desirable to secure
such valves so that they cannot be opened to provide gas to an
unauthorized customer. Typically, securing such valves involves
partially enclosing the valve with a shroud or cover so that the
valve cannot be accessed. The cover is secured in place over the
valve with, for example, a barrel lock.
[0004] In a known lock assembly, a protective cover is secured over
a gas valve with a post or pin that includes a barrel lock
receptacle. The pin is secured to the protective cover by the
barrel lock and a cap. In particular, the barrel lock secures the
cap to the pin and prevents removal of the protective cover from
the valve. While such assemblies are generally effective, they may
present durability issues when tampered with. For example, a pry
bar may be used to put force directly on the balls of the barrel
lock within the pin. If enough force is applied, the balls of the
barrel lock may shear or deform allowing the cap, pin and
protective cover to be removed.
[0005] As will be appreciated, a lock assembly that provides an
enhanced degree of tamper resistance is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock
receptacle assembly.
[0007] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a lock receptacle assembly that is highly tamper
resistant.
[0008] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a lock receptacle assembly that is easy to install and
remove.
[0009] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a lock receptacle assembly that may be easily
manufactured.
[0010] An embodiment of the inventive lock receptacle assembly
includes a body portion having a first end that includes a bore
configured to receive a lock, an end cap removably securable to the
first end of the body portion. The end cap having a through bore to
allow passage of the lock, such that, when assembled, the lock can
lock the end cap and the body portion together. The end cap
interlocks with the first end of the body portion so that there is
substantially no load on the lock when axial force is applied to
the assembly.
[0011] An addition embodiment of the present invention is a valve
lock assembly that includes a cover configured to be placed over a
utility valve, the cover having two opposed side-walls each of
which includes an aperture. The embodiment further includes a lock
receptacle assembly having a body portion and an end cap, the body
portion is configured to be placed through each of the cover
apertures to prevent removal of the cover from a utility valve. The
assembly further includes a lock for selectively securing the body
portion to the end cap when assembled. The end cap interlocks with
the body portion so that there is substantially no load on the lock
when axial force is applied to the assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a sectioned side view of a barrel lock receptacle
assembly of a prior art valve protector assembly.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an additional sectioned side view of the barrel
lock receptacle assembly of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lock receptacle assembly
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a sectioned side view of the lock receptacle
assembly of FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 perspective view of an assembled valve lock assembly
incorporating the lock receptacle assembly of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a sectioned side view of a lock receptacle
assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lock receptacle assembly
of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIGS. 1-2 depict a known barrel lock receptacle assembly 10
used to secure meter valves. In use, the receptacle assembly 10 is
placed through apertures in side-walls 24 of a shroud or cover to
secure the cover over a valve. A barrel lock 22 is used to secure
the receptacle assembly 10 to the cover to prevent removal. In
particular, the assembly 10 includes a cylindrical post 12 and a
cap 14. The post 12 includes a bore 16 that is configured to
receive the barrel lock 22. The bore 16 has an annular recess 18
that accepts balls 19 of the barrel lock 22 to secure the lock 22
within the post 12.
[0020] The cap 14 has a through bore 20 that allows the barrel lock
22 to pass through the cap 14 and into the post bore 16 to secure
the post and cap together. As shown, the cap 14 and pin have
shoulder portions 23 that prevent movement of the assembly 10
relative to the walls 24 of the cover. While such assemblies are
generally effective, when pried with a pry bar, force F is directed
to the balls of the barrel lock. As will be appreciated, in certain
circumstances it may be possible for the balls 19 to shear or
deform against the annular recess 18 allowing the cap 14 to
separate from the post 12 and the cover to be removed from the
valve. As discussed below, an embodiment of the present invention
addresses the potential issue.
[0021] Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, an embodiment of the present
invention provides a lock receptacle assembly 30 with an
interlocking body 32 and end cap 34. This interlocking structure
directs force F to the interlocked surfaces of the body portion 32
and end cap 34 and not to the balls 35 of a lock, e.g., a barrel
lock 52.
[0022] More specifically, the assembly 30 includes a body portion
32. The body portion 32 has a first end that includes a bore 36 for
receiving the barrel lock 52. The bore 36 includes a recess 38 for
the balls 35 of the barrel lock 52. The first end of the body
portion 32 also includes a channel 42 having a reduced profile or
diameter if the body is cylindrical. The channel 42 is formed in
the body portion 32 such that it creates a shoulder 40, which
interlocks with the end cap 34 when assembled as described
herein.
[0023] The body portion 32 also includes a second opposite end,
which features a flange 48. The flange 48 abuts against a side-wall
50 of a cover 60. The flange 48 prevents passage of the body
portion 32 through an aperture in the side-wall 50 to secure the
cover 60 over a valve 70.
[0024] As stated, the assembly 30 also includes an end cap 34. The
end cap 34 has a though bore 46 that allows the barrel lock 52 to
be inserted through the cap 34. The though bore 46 of the end cap
34 further includes a lip 44 that mateingly engages the shoulder 40
of the body portion 32 to interlock the end cap 34 and body portion
32.
[0025] The end cap 34 also features an open mounting aperture or
slot 37 formed in a side of the cap 34. The mounting slot 37 is
configured to receive the channel 42 and shoulder 40 of the body
portion 32 such that the lip 44 mateingly engages the shoulder 40.
The barrel lock is then placed through the end cap 34 and into the
body 32 and secured in place by having the balls 35 extend into the
recess 38.
[0026] In use, the cover 60 is first placed over a valve 70. The
body portion 32 is the inserted through an opening or aperture in
the side wall 50 of the cover 60 until the flange 48 abuts the
side-wall and the first end of the body 32 extends through an
aligned aperture in the opposite side-wall 50 of the cover 60. The
end cap 34 is then placed on the body portion 32 and locked in
place via the barrel lock 52.
[0027] Importantly, when the aforementioned embodiment is pried
with a pry bar, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the axial force F
is not directed to the balls 35 of the barrel lock 52. Indeed, the
force F is directed to the interlocked shoulder 40 and lip 44. As
will be appreciated, this configuration yields a stronger, more
tamper resistant barrel lock receptacle assembly than presently
known. "Axial force" as used herein refers to force substantially
parallel to axis A of the body portion 32.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of
the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, the interior
of the end cap 110 includes an additional lip 114. In this
embodiment, the shoulder 106 of the body 102 sits between lip 112
and lip 114 when assembled.
[0029] In either of the embodiments described herein, the end cap
and body portion may be manufactured from any suitable durable
material, e.g., a hardened steel. As will be appreciated, the body
portion and end cap may be manufactured in a variety of shapes and
need not be cylindrical.
[0030] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from its scope. While the
dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to
define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means
limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0031] In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which"
are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms
"comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the
terms "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," "bottom,"
"top," "up," "down," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not
intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their
objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not
written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be
interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph, unless
and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means
for" followed by a statement of function void of further
structure.
[0032] This written description uses examples to disclose several
embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to
enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of
invention, including making and using any devices or systems and
performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the
invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples
that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have
structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of
the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with
insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the
claims.
[0033] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular
and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion
is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment"
of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly
stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising," "including," or
"having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular
property may include additional such elements not having that
property.
[0034] Since certain changes may be made in the above-described
invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject
matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the
inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the
invention.
* * * * *